Fig. 2: Heatmap displaying the abundance of key metabolic marker genes involved in carbon fixation and energy conservation, and their distribution throughout 18 metagenomes spanning six cold desert regions.

For each region, relative gene abundances were displayed for three metagenomes. Genes encoding the CBB cycle, energy metabolism, aerobic respiration, nitrogen cycling, and trace gas oxidation were widely distributed throughout all environments. Phototrophy genes were more abundant within Alexandra Fjord Highlands metagenomes than the other sites studied.